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Car security top tips

In the UK, car crime is a common occurrence. Our article discusses some of the ways in which you can keep your car secure. More often that not, vehicle theft is perpetrated by thieves who see an opportunity for a quick and easy steal. It is therefore imperative that vehicle owners take the precautionary measures to ensure their car doesn’t appear vulnerable and thus minimise the likelihood of you becoming a victim of theft. Not only will you have to fork out the money for a new car, but there is the impact on your insurance to consider, all adding to the stress of the ordeal. This article features our top tips for deterring opportunist thieves and keeping your car secure.

Lock your car and double check – lock doors manually

Whilst it may seem obvious, it is essential that you lock your car. If you forget to lock your vehicle, it becomes an easy target. It is also a good idea to double check that the car is locked. If you are in a rush for work, or on the school run, it can be easy to forget the simplest of things or to dismiss them. However, if you take the time to take preventative measures, you will keep your car secure. Moreover, if you lock your car manually, you can prevent thieves from cloning your key’s wireless signal, thus denying them access to the car in this way.

Steering, gearstick and handbreak locks

It is a good idea to install locks on the steering wheel, gearstick and handbreak. These metal locking devices are difficult to break and prevent them from being moved when the car is not intended to be in use. Though these are an additional cost, they are relatively cheap, though increase in price for enhanced security. These locks also act as a deterrent to opportunistic thieves, who will move on upon realising your car isn’t an easy target.

Fit wheel locks

Locking wheel nuts are an effective deterrent. They may help to prevent your wheels from being stolen or your vehicle. They are not only effective, but they are also cheap and easy to fit.

Take care with keys

It is important to consider where is the most secure place to keep your keys. One of the easiest ways for a thief to steal a car, is to steal the keys themselves. It is recommended that you do not keep the keys in a pocket or near a window or door in the house. These are often the obvious places, because they are easily accessible to you, but also, to an opportunist thief. Instead, when they’re not needed, consider keeping your keys in a safe or hidden in a draw.

Hide valuables

If you have any valuables in your car, when the car is not in use or the valuables not needed, ensure that they are either removed from the vehicle, or well hidden. Opportunist thieves may not only be attracted to your car itself, but also to its contents.

Secure parking

If you need to leave your car for an extended period of time, it becomes especially important to consider where you are parking. Cars parked off-road are generally thought to be more secure. Also, look for well-lit parking that is in sight of CCTV.

This article has reviewed some of the best security measures you can take to protect your car from theft. However, there are many more, including: car alarms, immobilisers, and tracking systems, to name a few.

Please contact us if you would like more advice on locks and security.